Fin's Fish Guide
The Panaque (Panaque nigrolineatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Loricariidae that grows up to 43 cm.
Description
The royal pleco is a large armoured suckermouth catfish from the Orinoco basin and the southern tributaries of the middle and lower Amazon in South America. The species grows to about 43 cm and has a heavily armoured, grey body with fine black line markings and striking red eyes. With its spoon-shaped teeth in the sucker mouth it rasps wood; it is one of the few fish able to digest wood, supplemented with algae. As a bottom-dweller the fish lives in tropical rivers and can breathe air through its gut. It is popular in the aquarium trade. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Panaque?
The Panaque has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a marbled pattern. Wood-eating armoured catfish with spoon-shaped teeth and red eyes; can breathe through its intestine
Where does the Panaque live?
The Panaque lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Northern South America
How big does the Panaque get?
The Panaque grows to a maximum of about 43 cm.
Is the Panaque dangerous to humans?
No, the Panaque is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Panaque edible?
The Panaque is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Panaque
More from the family Loricariidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Panaque is one of 12,519 species in the app.